UCLA Department of Mathematics


Frequently asked questions:


For students:

Does the DRP run every quarter?

The DRP runs every quarter of the academic year. If there is sufficient interest, it also runs during the summer.

When can I apply for the next quarter?

We try to open up applications for the upcoming quarter's program about two weeks before the quarter begins.

Who should be my faculty reference, and do I need a recommendation letter?

The reference can be anyone (though preferably an instructor/TA of some type in a mathematically relevant area). Mentors sometimes contact them to get additional information regarding the mentee.

I have a prior agreement to start/continue a project with a mentor. Do I still need to submit an application?

Yes. Students must submit an application in each quarter of the DRP in which they wish to participate.

I submitted an application but I have not heard back by the date of the pairing announcement on the calendar.

If you do not hear back by the date of the pairing announcement, your application has unfortunately been declined.

Why was my application declined?

The DRP Committee does not decline any applications off hand - all applications are sent to the participating mentors for consideration. Students are directly chosen by the mentors, each of whom have their own reasons for selecting one particular student over another. Mentors typically consider various factors including: (1) interest in areas the mentor is willing to do a project in; (2) completion of fundamental/core coursework; (3) other prior coursework, especially in areas relevant to the mentor's interests; (4) specific mathematical interests stated in the student's personal statement. Furthermore, there may simply be too few mentors available to do a project in a given area relative to the number of applicants who wish to do so. Occasionally we have used graduation year as a factor, to give students who are graduating soon a chance to participate. Historically, there have always been many more applicants than available mentors.

What can I do to improve my application?

We certainly invite all applicants to continue to submit an application each quarter. For students relatively early on in their mathematical education, the best course of action is likely to complete the core mathematics coursework, such as the 115 and 131 sequences, as many mentors consider these to be prerequisites for reading with them. At the same time, it is a good idea to explore some of the various specializations in mathematics through the various upper division courses, and begin to develop a sense of what specific things you are interested in studying. Finally, mentors do pay close attention to the personal statement, and in particular if a student expresses any specific mathematical interests.

Is the colloquium presentation mandatory?

Strictly speaking, the colloquium presentation is not mandatory, primarily because it is virtually impossible to schedule the colloquium at a time that every participant can attend. However, barring time conflicts or other extenuating circumstances, we strongly recommend all participants to give a presentation, as presenting mathematics to an audience is an important skill with rather few opportunities to acquire. For more on preparing the presentation, please refer to the resources page.


For mentors:

I am interested in being a mentor. What qualifications do I need to participate?

Graduate mentors are required to have passed the basic exam and at least one area qualifying exam. In some quarters, if we feel we have enough mentors, we may require passing both area qualifying exams. If you have not passed your exams, you should prioritize them over the DRP. Mentors are also required to have completed, or be currently attending, the TA training seminar.

There is a specific student I want to work with, can I?

Yes! You are free to agree to work with a specific student. However, we still require the student to submit an application for the DRP, and in their application they must mention that they have agreed to work with you. At the same time, during the pair selection process you must mention that you have agreed to work with this student. Once this is done, you will be paired automatically.

I'd like to mentor multiple students, can I?

You may mentor up to and not exceeding two students per quarter. When the time for pair selection comes around, you will receive instructions on how to proceed if you wish to mentor two students. You are still required to give each student at least one hour of one-on-one meeting time per week. Note: Starting in Fall 2019, we will be strictly enforcing the two-student upper bound.

Can my DRP project be a research project?

While your enthusiasm is appreciated, DRP projects should be kept at the level of reading projects. Most undergraduates are not yet ready to do research, and it is also unrealistic to attempt any sort of research project in the span of a single quarter (as graduate students should know well from experience). Also keep in mind the recommended average work load of 4 hours per week for undergraduate participants. Expecting any research progress while investing only 4 hours per week is unreasonable, and we strongly discourage mentors from going over that limit, as this can compromise the student's academics. It is best to stick to reading projects, as they have clearly defined, attainable goals as well as obvious markers of progress.

I want to get involved, how can I help?

The DRP Committee welcomes additional helping hands, especially from younger students (3rd year and below). Please contact the DRP Committee either in person or by email.